Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Onder On the Air
In Senate 2, Bob Onder’s campaign released their first television advertisement. See it here. It features him as a “conservative,” the only candidate endorsed by Missouri Right to Life, and someone who’s “always fought ObamaCare.”
Ameren Seeks Rate Hike
Missed this over the holiday weekend… Still in the midst of a case in which its frienemy Noranda is alleging that it’s “over-earning,” Ameren is nevertheless embarking on a $264 million rate hike. Read it here. It actually bolsters the perception that they’re not over-earning. I mean would they be so bold to ask for more money if they already over-earning? Wait, don’t answer that… that’s the PSC’s job.
Schmitt for Treasurer Bits
Tipster: “I have heard a few times over the last year that Sen. David Pearce had been looking at running for treasurer in 2016. I wonder how Schmitt's early entry impacts that...”
Tipster #2: “Heard that Rep. John Wright is slated to run for treasurer for the Dems.”
Lobbyist: “I think Schmitt scores some points for being the first one to put the party first and avoid an AG primary. The GOP needs to start winning these statewide offices to build a bench for Gov but also to prevent the Ds from having that bench and statewide fundraising opportunities. Maybe the GOP is finally getting a clue that nasty primaries spell November losses.”
Greitens for Gov?
Meanwhile Eric Greitens, a former Navy SEAL, is reportedly floating his name as a Republican gubernatorial nominee. See his website here. He recently stepped down from his non-profit. The pitch is that he would match-up well against Chris Koster.
Planned Parenthood Endorses Both Sides
Yesterday I wrote that Planned Parenthood endorsed Steve Stenger and it was bad news for Charlie Dooley. In fact Planned Parenthood did a dual endorsement of both the incumbent and the challenger. So it’s not such a big deal, although perhaps it helps inoculate Stenger against the persistent whisper campaign that he’s really pro-life.
Dooley’s campaign meanwhile continues to run its ad against Stenger for not releasing his state tax returns, even though he finally did. The tag line in that ad is “Who is this guy anyway?” That contrasts the known commodity Dooley with the unknown Stenger.
NRA Contra Club for Growth?
Post-Dispatch has an article about the Missouri Club for Growth’s endorsements of four challengers to sitting Republican representatives who voted against the tax cut override last summer. Read it here.
But here’s an interesting nugget… National Rifle Association is backing all four incumbents over their challengers. Which brand has a bigger bang in rural Missouri?
Nixon Vetoes Bill
Governor Jay Nixon signed and vetoed more bills yesterday. See the list here. Among the standouts was SB 508 which Nixon, in a snarky veto message (see it here), admonished the legislature’s reliance on a conservative entity for their language.
“It appears in copying and pasting from this ALEC model act, the General Assembly failed to correct this incorrect reference… a glaring defect such as this cannot simply be ignored…”
New Committees
Yes On 9 ACLU Of Missouri – in support of the Sen. Rob Schaaf’s proposal to extend privacy protections to electronic devises.
No on Amendment 5 – See it here. In opposition to the guns right amendment.
Committee To Elect Bonnie Lynn Green – Sen. Joe Keaveny’s primary opponent finallye stablished a committee – one month before the election.
Randoms
BOOM – another $400K+ into the coffers of the pro-transportation sales tax campaign… see the large checks below.
Here’s the revised list of the most expensive transportation projects that would happen with the tax passes. See it here. My thanks to the peerless Combest for the link.
NYTimes says that the roots of a new conservative generation, post-millennials – are being sprung. Interesting read if you have a few extra minutes this morning. See it here.
Post-Dispatch’s Elisa Crouch reports, “The University City School Board will be holding a work session to reconsider turning away transfer students from Normandy schools, after more than 70 district residents, parents and teachers voiced mixed emotions Monday on whether they should stay…” Read it here.
eMailbag: Stop Thanking Jay!
Democrat: “All this thanking Jay Nixon for vetoing the 72 hour waiting period for abortions is like thanking your husband for not beating you. Nixon is a Democrat, he isn't supposed to make it harder for woman to control their bodies. This is not a heroic move by a hugely popular Democratic Gov who doesn't have to worry about a re-election and he shouldn't be treated like it is.”
Help Wanted
Post-Dispatch seek healthcare reporter. “We seek a motivated and well-organized reporter to cover health care and health issues, primarily monitoring the Affordable Care Act and its impact… This reporter will have responsibility for creating content for and maintaining our MoHealthReport website and daily newsletter, but also must have the skills necessary to write front-page and section-front caliber stories for print… This is a temporary position expected to begin in August and last for one year. It is part of a partnership between the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation.” See the ad here.
Missouri Department of Social Services, Division of Legal Services seeks Legal Counsel Position. “Salary range is $50,000 to $55,000 annually. The position provides legal advice to the Children's Division of the Missouri Department of Social Services. The duties of the position include: providing legal advice and assistance to the Children's Division on all legal issues involving the administration of Missouri's child welfare programs, reviewing and drafting child welfare policy, drafting administrative regulations, and reviewing and drafting contracts. Candidate must be a current member in good standing of The Missouri Bar…” See the ad here.
Fundraising Calendar
Today’s fundraising events from Mary Scruggs’ indispensable events calendar:
Rep. Paul Wieland Golf – Deer Creek Golf Course, House Springs.
Lobbyist Registrations
From the Gate Way Group website:
Ryan DeBoef added Missouri State University.
Nikki R Strong deleted Desoto Rural Fire Protection District.
$5K+ Contributions
Missouri AG PAC - $5,001 from Friends of Caleb Jones.
Schmitt for Missouri - $10,000 from Lodging Hospitality Management.
Schmitt for Missouri - $25,000 from Doug Albrecht.
Working Families Committee - $10,000 from SEIU Missouri State Council PAC.
MOTruck PAC - $10,000 from Steelman Transportation.
Friends of Tara Horn - $25,111 from REALTORS Political Action
Missourians for Safe Transportation & New Jobs Inc – $50,000 from Millstone Weber LLC.
Missourians for Safe Transportation & New Jobs Inc – $50,000 from Site Advancement Foundation.
Missourians for Safe Transportation & New Jobs Inc – $50,000 from APAC – Kansas Inc.
Missourians for Safe Transportation & New Jobs Inc – $20,000 from Journagan Construction & Quarries.
Missourians for Safe Transportation & New Jobs Inc – $15,000 from Black & McDonald.
Missourians for Safe Transportation & New Jobs Inc – $15,000 from Koss Construction Company.
Missourians for Safe Transportation & New Jobs Inc – $25,000 from Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co Inc.
Missourians for Safe Transportation & New Jobs Inc – $15,000 from Hayes Drilling Inc.
Missourians for Safe Transportation & New Jobs Inc – $170,000 from Industry Heavy Constructors Association.
Missourians for Safe Transportation & New Jobs Inc – $7,500 from HR Quardi Contractors LLC.
Citizens for Steve Stenger - $10,000 from Murphy Equities Corporation.
Happy Birthday
Happy birthdays to Rep. Marsha Haefner (63) and Richard Martin.